Paper Management 101. Creating a filing system for important papers.

Every home needs a main filing cabinet for sorting and storing important paperwork. This may sound like a daunting task, but there is no time like the present to get started. The following are some suggestions for the separate filing categories. I like to use hanging file folders for the main categories and manila folders for the subdivisions. Keep in mind that these categories and their contents may vary depending on individual needs.

1. Identity Paperwork - Copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, social security cards, driver's licenses, and passports. Keep the original documents in a fireproof safe or a security deposit box at the bank.


2. Financial - Information about bank accounts, credit cards, loans, investments and retirement accounts. Keep statements dating back from the last year or two. If there is online access to these accounts, saving paper statements and cancelled checks may not be necessary. If something is needed for tax purposes, save it for seven years (the IRS rule).


3. Home - Deed, mortgage information, property taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, and appliance instruction booklets and warranties (throw these out when the appliance is gone).


4. Taxes - The past seven years of tax returns. Here is a time saving tip! Create a folder for the current year so that pertinent information can be filed there as it is accrued. This will save time gathering it all at the end of the year. This folder can be further subdivided into categories such as medical receipts, donations, etc.


5. Auto - Title, insurance and repairs/maintenance.


6. Medical/Health and Wellness - Receipts (for prescriptions and copays), insurance information, medical records, updated medication lists, gym membership paperwork, pet records.


7. Education and Employment - Resumes,reference letters, copies of personnel records, copies of high school diploma and college degrees, transcripts.


8. Miscellaneous - Try not to let this be a "catch all". If there are several similar paperwork items, create a separate category in the filing cabinet. In the miscellaneous section, I keep files for Christmas ideas (pages from catalogs that I save), computer accounts and passwords, inspirational sayings, and ideas (random magazine and catalog pages).

Once the filing system is set up, set aside time regularly to file items. Always start with the new incoming items then chip away at the older ones.

Happy Organizing!